Sterling Heights council approves ethics resolution

Members of the Sterling Heights City Council are prohibited from using their position to influence a vote in their favor before city boards, commissions or committees.

Council approved a resolution on Wednesday mandating that council members attending meetings by other committees in the city should place the interests of the public over any other considerations, especially in their best interests.

The resolution amends a resolution adopted by City Council on Dec. 19, 1990 that established ethical principles to be followed by all city officers and employees, boards and commissions members.

Council voted 6-1 to approve the measure prohibiting “undue influence” in the form of threats and intimidation. Councilman Paul M. Smith voted against the resolution saying it was watered down from an original proposal.

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Sterling Heights Mayor Richard Notte said council first started talking about the measure last year when Smith attended a Board of Zoning Appeals meeting and was accused of chastising some of the members for the way they voted. The matter was first introduced by Councilman Michael Taylor who said it was inappropriate for a member of council to criticize a volunteer board.

“We cleaned up the ordinance a little bit,” Notte said. “Members of council should not attend meetings of city boards and commissions and intimidate the volunteer members.”

Taylor said a council member cannot intimidate members of boards or commissions to get what they want.

City Attorney Jeff Bahorski said the right for a council member to express his or her feelings aren’t affected by the amendment.